LSE update in relation to EU referendum result

Dear staff, students and members of the LSE community,

The Senior Leadership Team met yesterday morning to consider a range of issues relating to the UK’s vote to leave the European Union.

As is evident from media headlines and the financial markets, these are very uncertain times and the shock of the decision that has just been made is both raw and palpable. It is a fast changing picture and in the current situation any sense of surety is in regrettably short supply.

Given our very strong international connections, we appreciate that many LSE staff and students will be experiencing anxiety about what the future holds for them personally and for the School itself.

Julia Black and I, on behalf of the Senior Leadership Team, therefore wanted to bring you up to speed on where things stand, what actions we are taking and, as far as we are able, offer reassurance to and solidarity with the entire School community, and especially our non-UK colleagues and students, over the implications of the Brexit vote.

Since Thursday colleagues have been communicating to students - current students and offer holders - that fees for all new EU students will remain at the rate for home students until at least 2017-18, and that LSE remains a welcoming and globally-oriented centre of higher education. HR has been addressing the concerns of EU staff members over issues relating to current and future immigration status. And our Research Division colleagues have been examining the implications for EU programmes such as Horizon 2020.

We will always emphasise the importance of maintaining LSE’s international character, its intellectual vibrancy, and our values of diversity, tolerance and mutual respect. We will always advocate for our staff and students and we are proud of our international partnerships and research, and the unique education made possible by having one of the most internationally diverse student populations in the world. Further, LSE simply would not function without the efforts of its non-UK staff, whether academics or professional services personnel. And we can give a strong assurance that there is no short term threat to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) status for these colleagues or indeed until such time as the UK’s exit from the EU is complete.

The UK Government has clearly stated that during this period there will be no change to the circumstances of British citizens living in the EU, and European citizens living here. Brexit negotiations, if they move ahead, are likely to take at least two years and we expect stability for at least that long. Beyond that period it is ultimately for the UK Government to decide, but early indications are positive. We urge anyone with concerns to contact their HR partners.

Later today an email will be sent by Research Division to academics and researchers to set out the current status as it affects European research funding. However BIS has provided a statement to say that there will be no immediate effect on those applying to or participating in Horizon 2020 and that UK Government remains committed to ensuring future UK access as part of the discussions around formal exit.

Finally, a web page containing detailed FAQs, external links and providing regular news and updates has been set up as part of the School blog and we urge all of you with an ongoing interest to familiarise yourself with it and make note of the URL. It will be regularly modified and added to as developments occur. A briefing, providing more detailed information for managers across the School will also be cascaded in follow up to this message.

These are uncertain times, but LSE’s European and global ties and values will remain unchanged. Further updates will be communicated.

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